The ease of accessibility of the embryo has allowed for experiments to map cell fates using several approaches, including chick quail chimeras and focal dye labeling. In this article we demonstrate one egg preparation method that has been optimized for long survival times.
1. Remove eggs from incubator
2. Swab eggs to sterilize
3. Preparing albumen removal site
4. Removal of albumen
5. Windowing
6. Closing, reopening and sealing the egg.
This method allows for long survival times following experimental manipulations. For example, dye-labeling studies allowed survival to E10 or later in a fate mapping study (1). In addition, it has been used for in ovo electroporation studies that provide alteration of gene expression levels and required development to proceed to later developmental stages (2-6). This windowing technique can be used in combination with any procedure that requires survival after manipulations to the embryo.
Material Name | Type | Company | Catalogue Number | Comment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rotating incubator | Profi | Maintain at 37° Degrees with relative humidity set above 60% | ||
70 % EtOH | ||||
gauze | ||||
3M plastic tape | ||||
10cc syringe | 1/egg | |||
18G needles | 1½ inch needle, 1/syringe | |||
Dissection scissors | 4″ sharp straight blades | |||
Fertilized Eggs |